MONDAY >> The City Veins are a strong local outfit that’s been making their debut around town over the course of the past few months. They just formed in March and are already more mature and ready to bring the rock than a lot of bands with a lot more stage time. And hey, they have a blog! See what you’re missing tonight at Solly’s Tavern on U Street. 10 p.m. >> Do you…

It’s almost impossible to discuss the state of punk and hardcore music in this town without someone making a grand pronouncement like “the D.C. scene is dead”. Ask any of the old timers and they’ll tell you that the kids in Washington just don’t care about punk rock anymore. It’s not hard to understand where these folks are coming from; given the vital role that our city played in the evolution of hardcore music, it’s…

>> We’ve been waiting for this all year, and it’s finally here: Fort Reno kicks off this evening with Mass Movement of the Moth, Unbuckled alumni Deleted Scenes, and the Boom Orangutangs. Take Metro to Tenleytown/American Univeristy and head over to the grassy field at 3950 Chesapeake Street, NW. Shows usually start between 7 and 7:30. Picnics and camaraderie begin whenever you can get out of work. As always, leave the glass bottles and…

FRIDAY: >> DCist favorites The French Kicks are at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight with The Childballads (the Bon Savants cancelled). $13, 9:30 p.m. >> Exotic Fever Records is keeping the spirit of the D.C. underground scene alive almost singlehandedly, and this weekend they’ll celebrate their seven year anniversary with an ecclectic festival to showcase their artists. Tonight it’s Mass Movement of the Moth, New Idea Society, Den of Thieves, Kathy Cashel, Worn In…

Fort Reno, the long-running summer concert series that dates back to the days when Marion Barry wasn’t dodging indictments, gives D.C.’s indie and punk faithful welcome respite from dark, dimly lit clubs, and everyone a chance to enjoy some great local bands during the long summer evenings. The stage has witnessed many amazing performances by a who’s who of local luminaries including Fugazi, Q and not U, Ted Leo and Mary Timony, and was to…

MONDAY >> Hockey Night, the Minnesota band making waves for drenching their songs in the sounds of classic rock and mid-90s Pavement and Dinosaur Jr, visit Iota tonight. You can read an interview with them over at You Aint No Picasso to catch up on the bluzz. Rumor has it a few DCists may be in attendance, so don’t forget your blogger bingo card. $10, 8:30 p.m. >> Has science done anything to you lately?…